FTSE maintains pace towards 5000

The index is closing in on a 200 points gain since a recent low of about 4,790 in the third week of April. British Airways leads gainers by price gain, adding 3.75p to 276.75p as investors mull over the possible outcome of UK pension reforms. BA has one of the biggest pension funds in the country, and suggestions retirement ages could be pushed to 70 would help cut the cost of funding its scheme. Oil prices are also seen dropping by some as splits between OPEC’s members have been highlighted over the weekend. Xstrata, the coal miner, is up 11p to 955p after a stock exchange announceme...